Steering wheel light bar

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/061,383, filed Oct. 23, 2013, entitled “SteeringWheel Light Bar,” which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.61/717,542, filed Oct. 23, 2012, entitled “Steering Wheel Light Bar,”the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to a steering apparatus including alight element. More specifically, the invention relates to a vehiclesteering wheel including a light element providing indication andwarning signals to the user.

BACKGROUND

Various advanced driver assistance systems incorporate visual, acousticand/or sensor warnings. Visual interfaces for these assistance systemsmust minimize both driver reaction time to warnings and the workload onthe driver to comprehend and respond to the warning or information.Conventional instrument panel and center-stack displays require thedriver's attention be drawn away from navigating the vehicle. Similarly,idealized heads up displays can be jarring and sometimes distracting tothe driver. Therefore, a need in the art exists for a driver assistancesystem that utilizes the driver's peripheral vision and allows thedriver to keep both hands on the wheel while maintaining focus in theirdirect line of sight. In doing so, drivers can gain valuable andimportant reaction time in critical driving situations.

SUMMARY

Presented are systems and methods for providing a light element in asteering apparatus. An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to asteering apparatus for a vehicle including a steering grip, a lightelement, a PCB, and a processor. The steering grip may be configured forgripping to facilitate control of a vehicle. The light element can beassociated with the PCB and the PCB may be mounted to the steering grip.The PCB can be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component. Theprocessor may be connected in communication with the PCB and may beconfigured to direct operation of the light element.

The details of one or more implementations of the invention are setforth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otherfeatures, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The device is explained in even greater detail in the followingexemplary drawings. The drawings are merely exemplary to illustrate thestructure of preferred devices and certain features that may be usedsingularly or in combination with other features. The invention shouldnot be limited to the implementations shown.

FIG. 1 is a partial view of an exemplary steering apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a partial view of an exemplary steering apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-section view of an exemplary steering grip;

FIG. 3B is a partial view of a top section of an exemplary steeringgrip;

FIG. 3C is a schematic partial cross-section view of an exemplarysteering grip and light element;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-section view of an exemplarysteering grip and light element;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-section view of an exemplary light element;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-section view of an exemplary light element;

FIG. 5C is a partial cross-section view of an exemplary light element;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of an exemplary steering grip;

FIG. 6B is a plan view of an exemplary steering grip;

FIG. 6C is a plan view of an exemplary steering grip;

FIG. 6D is a plan view of an exemplary steering grip;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of an exemplary steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of an exemplary steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of an exemplary steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of an exemplary steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of an exemplary steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of an exemplary steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 13 is a schematic computer system architecture of an exemplarysteering apparatus; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic computer system architecture of an exemplarysteering apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary implementations of the invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. In general, such implementations relateto a steering apparatus for a vehicle. FIG. 1 is a partial plan view ofan exemplary steering apparatus 100 having a steering grip 102. Thesteering grip 102 can be configured for gripping to facilitate controlof the vehicle. For example, the steering grip 102 may be mounted on afixed component (not shown) such that it is rotationally movable about asteering axis. An exemplary fixed component can include, for example, asteering column, which receives a steering spindle that extends alongthe steering axis and serves to transmit the rotational movement of thesteering grip 102 to the wheels of the motor vehicle. Rotationalmovement of the steering grip 102 may be transmitted to the wheels bymechanical and/or electrical means. In an exemplary implementation, thesteering grip 102 can include a single continuous grip portion or anynumber of unique grip sections. For example, the steering grip 102 caninclude an annular ring shape with an outer contour that is essentiallycircular in shape. In an alternate implementation, the steering grip 102can define any suitable shape including, for example, circular,elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other regular or irregularshape.

In an exemplary implementation, the steering apparatus 100 also includesa light element 104 for providing indication and/or warning lightsignals to the driver of the vehicle. The light element 104 can include,for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), thin-film-transistordisplay, active-matrix display, a segmented display (e.g., improvedblack nematic (INB), super twisted nematic (STN), etc.), alight-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display, laser, halogen,fluorescent, an infra-red (IR) LED illuminator, or any other suitablelight emitting element. In an alternate implementation, the lightelement can include a light pipe (not shown) having a start and end LEDslocated at opposite ends of a (solid or hollow) molded plastic rod. Thesteering apparatus 100 can also include a reflective material or surfacefor recycling light emitted from the light element 104 and can be usedto direct light to the driver. In an exemplary implementation, when thelight element 104 comprises an IR LED illuminator, illumination of theIR LED may also provide a desirable heat effect to the steering grip 102and may direct heat towards the driver's hands. For example, a steeringgrip 102 may include a heat element, usually a heater mesh, used toprovide a heat effect on the steering grip 102. The heat mesh may bewrapped around the steering grip 102 and/or incorporated into the gripcover material. In an example steering apparatus 100, the heat mesh doesnot cover over the portion of the steering grip 102 including the lightelement 104 thereby resulting in a gap in the heat effect. IR LEDs maybe used as the light element 104 to provide the heat effect in the areaof the light element 104, thereby providing a full heat effect at thesurface of the steering grip 102. In another example steering apparatus100, the heat mesh covers, partially or entirely, the portion of thesteering grip 102 including the light element 104, thereby reducingand/or eliminating any gap in the heat effect.

In an exemplary implementation, the light element 104 can display asingle color or multiple colors. For example, the exemplary LED caninclude a single color LED, a bi-color LED, and a tri-color LED. Thesteering apparatus 100 can include a single light element 104 or anynumber of light elements 104. Moreover, different types of lightelements 104 may be implemented on the same steering apparatus 100. Forexample, a steering grip 102 may include both standard LEDs and IR LEDs.The light element 104 can be located at any portion of the steering grip102. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the light element 104 can belocated on an interior edge of the steering grip 102. In an alternateimplementation, not shown, the light element 104 can be located on anexterior edge of the steering grip 102. In an alternate implementation(not shown), the light element 104 can be located on a front or backface of the steering grip 102. The light element 104 can be provided ina direction defined by the perimeter/diameter of the steering grip 102.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the light element 104 can extendalong the direction of the upper half of the steering grip 102 on theinner diameter of the steering grip 102. The light element can defineany suitable shape including, for example, circular, elliptical, square,rectangular, or any other regular or irregular shape. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary light element 104 is provided withan elongated shape having curvilinear sides. In an alternateimplementation provided in FIG. 2, the light element 104 can include avertical element 106 extending in a radial direction of the steeringgrip 102.

FIG. 3A provides a schematic side cross-section view of an exemplarysteering grip 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the exemplary steeringgrip 102 includes a light element 104 positioned on the inner diameterof the steering grip 102. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates that thebody of the steering grip 102 and the light element 104 can be sized andconfigured such that the body of the steering grip 102 shields the lightelement from ambient light 108. For example, as provided in FIGS. 3B and3C, the light element 104 is shielded from ambient light 108 directed atthe upper portion/top side of the steering grip 102. Because the lightelement 104 is shielded from ambient light 108, a lower intensity lightsignal may be used. In an exemplary implementation, a daylight warningintensity of the light element 104 may be about 150 to about 800 nit. Ina particular implementation, the daylight intensity of the light element104 may be about 150 to about 500 nit. In another implementation, thedaylight intensity of the light element 104 may be about 150 to about250 nit. In another example, the daylight intensity of the light element104 may be at least about 250 nit. In another example, the daylightintensity of the light element 104 may be at least about 150 nit. In afurther exemplary implementation, because there is less ambient light atnighttime and because the light element 104 is shielding from theexisting ambient light 108, the nighttime warning intensity of the lightelement 104 may be at least about 5 to about 50 nit. In another example,the nighttime warning intensity of the light element 104 may be at leastabout 5 to about 25 nit. In another example, the nighttime warningintensity of the light element 104 may be at least about 5 to about 15nit. In another example, the nighttime warning intensity of the lightelement 104 may be at least about 5 to about 10 nit. In another example,the nighttime warning intensity of the light element 104 may be at leastabout 5 nit.

In an exemplary implementation, a lens 110 is configured to cover thelight element 104. The lens 110 may be sized and shaped to correspond tothe size and shape of the light element 104. As illustrated in FIG. 4,the outer surface of the lens 110 may be adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the steering grip 102. For example, the lens 110 may providea surface that is congruent with the exterior surface of the steeringgrip 102. In an alternate implementation (not shown), the lens 110 mayprovide an outer surface that has a different general shape than theprofile defined by the steering grip 102. The outer lens 110 maycomprise a fully or partially transparent, translucent, or opaque body.The outer lens 110 can be constructed from a hard or soft material. Theouter lens 110 can include a surface feature or texture to provide agrip or “feel” to the driver. The outer lens 110 can be constructed froma single layer of material or multiple layers of material. The outerlens 110 may filter, direct, or otherwise modify the properties of thelight signals emitted from the light element 104. In an exemplaryimplementation, the lens 110 is configured to shield the light element104 from ambient light.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the steering grip 102 also includes a frame112 providing the support structure for the steering grip 102, a carrier114 mounted to the frame 112 and configured to engage a PCB 116 and/orcontrol circuitry for supporting and controlling operation of the lightelement 104. The carrier 114 may be sized and shaped to facilitateattachment to various frame 112, PCB 116, and outer lens 110 structures.The carrier 114 can be mounted to the frame 112 using screws, hooks,clips, or any other form of mechanical fastener known in the art. Anexemplary carrier 114 may be joined with the frame 112 using a thermallyconductive “gap pad” or other thermally conductive adhesive. The frame112 may also define the support structure for central hub and spokes ofthe steering grip 103. In an alternate implementation (not shown), thecarrier 114 is not required and the PCB 116 and/or control circuitry iscoupled to the frame 112 of the steering grip 102. As illustrated inFIG. 4, an exemplary steering grip 102 includes a covering 118configured to cover the exterior of the steering grip 102 body andprovide a surface for the driver to handle during operation of thevehicle. In an exemplary implementation, the covering 118 may also,partially or fully, cover the lens 110 without severely impacting lighttransmission to the driver. It is contemplated, that, when covering thelens 110, the covering 118 conceals the lens 110 and light element 104when not illuminated. Exemplary covering 118 materials include, forexample, leather, cloth, polyurethane foam, and various other syntheticmaterials.

In an exemplary implementation, to reduce energy consumption and heatgeneration, the light emitted from the light element 104 is filtered andguided to maximize the light signal directed through the outer lens 110.In an exemplary implementation, light emitted from the light element 104is recycled using a solid acrylic lens 118. The lens 118 may betrapezoidal in shape such that light is reflected in the desireddirection (i.e., at the driver). In an exemplary implementation,reflective surfaces of the carrier 114 are painted white or other highlyreflective color to ensure that light is reflected in the desireddirection and not refracted internal to the system. Fillers and fiberscan be added to the outer lens 110 and/or the lens 118 to direct lighttoward the driver and to increase the brightness of the light output theouter lens 110. In a further implementation, brightness enhancing films120 can be used to direct light to the driver. The exemplary brightnessenhancing films 120 may be used individually or multiple films may bestacked together. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, multiple brightnessenhancing films 120 may be stacked adjacent to the lens 118. In afurther implementation, diffusing films 122 and/or textured lenssurfaces may be used where high light intensity is not needed. Asillustrated in FIG. 5B, diffusing films may be located adjacent to thebrightness enhancing films 120. In an alternate implementation, adiffusing film 122 may be located adjacent to the LED 116. Light passesthrough the diffusing films 122 and into the brightness enhancing films120. Another diffusing film 122 may be located adjacent to thebrightness enhancing films 120 and the lens 110. By securing a tightcoupling between the light element 104 to the outer lens 110, thebrightness of the output light is increased. Any order or combination ofbrightness enhancing films 120, diffusing films 122, and lenses 118/110are contemplated. In an exemplary implementation, the brightnessenhancing films 120 and diffusing films 122 may be stacked and orientedin such a way that the ambient light entering the lens 110 cannot passthrough the lens 110. Blocking the ambient light allows the lens 110 tohave a higher transmission rate while preventing internal components ofthe light assembly and steering grip 102 from being seen by the driveron from the outside.

The light element 104 can be associated with circuitry for controllingoperation of the light signal provided by the light element 104. In anexemplary implementation, the light element 104 may be wired directly tocontrol circuitry of the steering apparatus 100. For example, the lightelement 104 may include a T-type LED that can be wired through an inlineresistor to a steering apparatus 100 power source. In an alternateimplementation, the light element 104 can be associated with a PCB (notshown) or processor mounted to or associated with the electronic controlunit of the vehicle. The PCB/processor can be configured to provideoperation instructions from the vehicle to the light element 104. In afurther implementation, the light element 104 may be associated with aPCB 116 configured to provide operation instructions to the lightelement 104. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the light element104 can by physically mounted to the surface of the PCB 116. The PCB 116can include, for example, rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible-type PCBs 116.An example PCB 116 can include a flex circuit wherein the LEDs 116 aremounted to backing material that acts as a heat sink. The backingmaterial can include, for example, an aluminum flex backing. Other typesand combinations of PCBs are contemplated.

In an exemplary implementation, the PCB 116 can be mounted to thesteering grip 102. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the PCB 116and/or control circuitry is mounted to the frame 112 of the steeringgrip 102 via carrier 114. In an alternate implementation (not shown),the PCB 116 and/control circuitry is mounted directly to the frame 112of the steering grip 102. The board material of an exemplary PCB 116 maybe constructed of FR-4 (G-10) glass reinforced epoxy laminate. BecauseFR-4 has a poor thermal conductivity (approximately 0.003 W/cm·C.°), andbecause the frame 112 may be constructed of materials having highthermal conductivity including, for example, magnesium alloy (diecast)(1.575 W/cm·C.°), aluminum alloy (diecast) (2.165 W/cm·C.°), and steel(low carbon) (0.669 W/cm·C.°), it is desirable to thermally couple thePCB 116 to the frame 112 in order to dissipate heat way from the lightelements 104. In an exemplary implementation, the PCB 116 can bethermally coupled to a heat exchange component associated with thesteering grip 102. The heat exchange component can be configured totransfer heat from the PCB 116 to the steering grip 102. The heatexchange component may comprise, for example, a thermally conductiveresin, an epoxy, a polymer, and/or a metal. In an exemplaryimplementation, the steering grip 102 may be coupled to the central huband spokes such that heat from the light element 104 can be transferredfrom the steering grip 102 to the spokes and central hub of the steeringgrip 102.

In a high intensity environment (5 nit or greater), in order to ensuredriver comfort in handling the steering grip 102 and to prolong life ofthe light element 104 (in hours of illumination), the exemplary heatexchange component must dissipate heat from the light elements 104 at arate sufficient to ensure that the surface temperature of the steeringgrip 102 does not exceed, approximately, 45° C. In an alternateimplementation where only low intensity light elements 104 are used, thesteering apparatus 100 may not include a heat exchange component. Forexample, in a system where the light element 104 generate a light at anintensity up to only 5 nit, the heat output by the light elements 104will be not necessitate the use of a heat exchange component fordissipating heat from the light source 104.

In an exemplary implementation, the steering apparatus 100 can include asingle PCB 116 or multiple PCBs 116 located along the steering grip 102.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the steering grip 102 mayinclude a single PCB 116 spanning the entire perimeter of the steeringgrip 102 thereby providing a 360° illumination system. In an alternateimplementation illustrated in FIG. 6B, the steering grip 102 may includea single PCB 116 along the upper half of the perimeter defined by thesteering grip 102. In a further implementations illustrated in FIGS.6C-D, the steering grip 102 may include multiple PCBs 116. Because thesteering apparatus 100, and in particular, the steering grip 102, isconstructed to withstand substantial loading in the event of a crash, asteering grip 102 including multiple PCBs can provide for lesslikelihood that a PCB 116 will break upon impact and/or airbagdeployment. Moreover, by locating multiple PCBs 116 along the diameterof the steering grip 102, and in particular along the upper half of thesteering grip rim 102, helps to reduce the probability that a PCB 116will break under a load at the 12 o'clock position on the rim of thesteering wheel grip 102. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the steering grip102 may include multiple PCBs 116, including, for example, PCB 116A maybe located on a right portion of the steering grip 102 diameter and PCB116B may be located on a left portion of the steering grip diameter. Inanother implementation illustrated in FIG. 6D, the steering grip 102 mayinclude three PCBs 116. PCB 116A may be located on a right portion ofthe steering grip 102, PCB 116B on a left portion of the steering grip,and PCB 116C on a top center portion of the steering grip 102, betweenPCBs 116A and 116B. In a further implementation, not shown, the steeringgrip 102 may include a PCB 116 located on a lower portion of thesteering grip 102. Any number of locations and quantities of PCB 116 areconsidered within the disclosed implementation.

In an exemplary implementation, the PCB 116 includes a single zone ormultiple zones for directing operation of the light element 104. Forexample, in an exemplary implementation, the PCB 116 may include onezone for controlling operation of the light element 104. The PCB 116 maycontrol the light element 104 based on instructions provided to thecorresponding zone of the PCB 116. The light element 104 may include asingle light source, such as one LED, or it may include multiple lightsources, i.e., multiple LEDs. In an exemplary implementation, the PCB116 can provide separate instructions to each of the individual LEDswithin the same zone.

In an alternate implementation, the PCB 116 can include multiple zones,for example, two or more zones, each associated with a different lightelement 104 or group of light elements 104. Each zone can be configuredto provide separate operating instructions to their respective lightelements 104. In an exemplary implementation, the LEDs may be arrangedinto groups and each group of LEDs assigned a zone on the PCB 116. Forexample, the PCB 116 may include 36 LED-style light elements 104. Theexemplary PCB 116 may be divided into four zones, each zone associatedwith 9 LEDs. The PCB 116 can control operation of the LEDs in each ofthe four zones separately based on the instructions provided by therespective zones.

In an alternate implementation, the PCB 116 can include a number ofzones corresponding to the number of light elements 104 present on thePCB 116, where each zone provides operation instructions to itscorresponding light individual element 104. For example, an exemplaryPCB 116 may include 36 LED-style light elements 104 and 36 zonescorresponding to each of the 36 LEDs. The PCB can individually controloperation of each of the 36 LEDs based on instructions provided to eachof the corresponding 36 zones.

In an exemplary implementation, the steering apparatus 100 may include aprocessor connected in communication with the PCB 116. The processor maybe configured to direct operation of the light element 104. Theprocessor can be associated with the steering apparatus 100. In anexemplary implementation, the processor may be located on or proximatethe PCB 116 of the steering grip 102. In an alternative implementation,the processor may be located on or otherwise associated with theelectronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. In a furtherimplementation, the processor may be located on or otherwise associatedwith an other vehicle system. Where the processor is associated with asystem other than the steering apparatus 100 and/or the steering grip102, wired and/or wireless communication lines (i.e., data and/or powerwires, radio frequency, wi-fi, Bluetooth, etc.) may be provided from thealternate system to the light element 104. For example, the lightelement 104 and/or the PCB 116 may be connected to the vehicle'selectronic control unit (ECU) by a wire run from the ECU unit to thelight element 104/PCB 116. In a further example, particular zones on thePCB 116 may communicate with a processor associated with a system otherthan the steering apparatus 100 and/or the steering grip 102, andcommunication lines (i.e., data and/or power wires) may be provided fromthe alternate system to the zoned PCB 116.

In an exemplary implementation, the light element 104, PCB 116, and theprocessor are connected in communication with the vehicle by two wireswhere the first wire may provide a power source to the light element104, PCB 116, and the processor and the second wire provides a dataconnection between the steering apparatus 100 and the vehicle. In afurther example, the light element 104, PCB 116, and the processor maybe connected in communication with the vehicle by two wires, oneincluding multiple communication lines and the second wire includingpower source. For example, where the PCB 116 includes 6 zones, the firstwire may include 6 communication lines for directing the operation ofthe corresponding zones, and the second wire may be a power source forproviding power to the PCB 116. The light element 104, PCB 116, and theprocessor may, alternatively, be in communication with the vehicle atonly a power source.

In an exemplary implementation, the processor may be configured toreceive information from the vehicle. Information received from thevehicle may include, for example, GPS (global positioning system)information, navigation information, foreign object proximityinformation, vehicle performance information, general warninginformation, course information, positioning information available fromon-board sensor, such as cameras, radar, LIDAR (light detection andranging) systems, vehicle communication system information, and anyother information relevant to the operation of the vehicle, the statusof the user, and/or the functioning of the steering apparatus 100.

Navigation information may include, for example, a preparation forcourse change (e.g., lane recommendation in anticipation of pendingcourse change), a navigation course change (e.g., instructions forfollowing determined route and/or notification that the determined routehas been recalculated), and a distance to course change (e.g., distanceto turn). Foreign object proximity information may include, for example,the distance and direction to an identified foreign object, the size ofa foreign object, and the relative speed and direction of the foreignobject. Vehicle performance information may include, for example, on/offoperation of the vehicle, battery life/status, fuel level, fuelefficiency, engine RPM, vehicle oversteer, vehicle understeer,turbocharger/supercharger boost pressure, an electrical vehicle (eV)status, stop and go vehicle mode, steering grip 102 straight-aheadposition, vehicle lateral acceleration, autonomous vehicle driving stateinformation, and adaptive cruise control state information. Generalvehicle warning information may include, for example, occupant restraintinformation, airbag status information, door or window open/ajar, lowtire pressure, vehicle entertainment and communication system status(e.g., incoming call, Bluetooth activated, audio volume, etc.). Courseinformation may include, for example, a measure of a course remaining(e.g., a racing lap time countdown as a binary clock, lap segments, timesegments, etc.) and a measure of the course remaining/completed (e.g.,quantity of racing laps).

Operation of the light element 104 may be directed in response toinformation received from the steering apparatus 100 and/or informationreceived from the vehicle. The light element 104 may be used to provideinformation and warning signals to the driver of the vehicle. In afurther implementation, the light element 104 may be used to provide anaesthetically pleasing/decorative effect. For example, the light element104 may be used at vehicle start up to provide a decorative effect inaddition to providing an indication to the driver of the vehicle'soperation status.

Directing illumination of the light element 104 may include, forexample, the on/off state of the light element 104, intensity,design/pattern, on/off illumination cycle, color, or any other featureof the light element that can be controlled or otherwise manipulated. Inan exemplary implementation, the on/off status of the light element 104can be controlled. For example, in an implementation including multiplelight elements 104, the quantity of light elements 104 illuminated at agiven time can be used to indicate the magnitude and/or scale of thewarning or event, the greater the number illuminated the greater thethreat and/or importance of the warning/event. Similar to quantity, theintensity of the light elements 104 can be used to indicate themagnitude and/or scale of the warning or event, the greater the lightintensity the greater the threat and/or importance of the warning/event.The on/off illumination cycle or frequency of illumination of the lightelement 104 can also be controlled to create a flashing or strobe-likeeffect. For example, a high frequency on/off illumination cycle may beused to indicate an important and/or time sensitive event to the driversuch as an impact or collision warning. Similarly, the light element 104can illuminate a particular design or pattern to provide certain visualcues to the driver. For example, the light element 104 can illuminate adesign/pattern representative of a certain image or symbol used toconvey a message to the driver. In one example, the light element 104can illuminate in a pattern representative of navigation and/or warninginformation (e.g., arrow at various orientations with respect to thedriver/steering apparatus 100). In another example, the light element104 can illuminate in a pattern representative of an imagerepresentative of vehicle performance (e.g., engine performance, tirestatus, battery, fuel, oversteer/understeer, traction control, audio,Bluetooth, etc.) Representative patterns/designs can include, forexample, an image/icon of an engine, wheel/tire, battery, fuel gage,temperature gauge/thermostat, steering wheel, radio, Bluetooth logo,etc.

In a further example, when the light element 104 comprises an IRilluminator, a strobed/flashing light signal may be used to illuminatethe driver's eyes for use in camera-based driver monitoring systems. Theoperation of the exemplary IR illuminator-type light element 104 may betimed in communication with a camera, or other sensing device, and aprocessor to capture an image of the driver's eyes. Moreover, the use ofIR LEDs can be used to mitigate light reflection when the driver iswearing eye glasses.

The selection of a light element 104 for illumination at a certainposition can also be used to indicate the relative position of thewarning or event. For example, if an impact or collision warning isanticipated at the front driver's side section of the car, the lightelement 104 at a corresponding position on the steering grip 102 (i.e.,upper left quadrant) may be illuminated. Similarly, the on/offillumination cycle may be used to create a motion effect. The perceiveddirection of the light pattern can be used to indicate the relativedirection of warning. For example, an on/off illumination patternstarting from the center of the steering grip 102 and progressing towardthe left side of the grip 102 may create an illuminated wave-like effecttoward the left that can be used to indicate a warning/event associatedwith the left side of the vehicle or an indication to the driver of apending course change in a navigational setting.

In an exemplary steering apparatus 100, a pattern of illumination of thelight element 104 can also be controlled. For example, in animplementation including multiple light elements 104, the light elements104 may be sized and located such that a shape or pattern may be createdby illuminating particular light elements 104. In an exemplaryimplementation, the color of the light element 104 can also becontrolled. The color of the light element may be used to indicate theseverity or a threat level associated with a particular event. Forexample, colors such as red, yellow, and green can be used to indicatethe escalating severity/threat associated with a particular event, redindicating severe, yellow a moderately severe/warning, and green littleor no threat. For example, if the vehicle senses an impact or collisionwarning or if the vehicle is traveling faster than allowable speedlimit, the color of the light elements 104 may progress from green toyellow to red as the severity of the warning/event escalates. In analternate implementation, controlling the color of the light element 104may be used to indicate a vehicle status or provide general driverindications. For example, colors such as blue or white may be used toindicate general vehicle status and driver indication.

The following illumination combinations are provided as exemplary andshould not be considered limiting on the disclosed invention. Additionaland alternative light element 104 locations and configurations arecontemplated. Various combinations of light element 104 operation may beutilized to indicate the relative position and/or threat levelsassociated with a particular warning/event, as well as provide generalstatus information to the driver.

In an exemplary implementation, operation of the light element 104 maybe directed in response to information received from the vehicle and/orinformation received from the steering apparatus 100. Informationreceived from the vehicle can include, for example, GPS information,on-board sensor information, camera information, communication systeminformation, and lane position information. The operation of the lightelement 104 may be directed to provide the driver with a lane departurewarning. An exemplary lane departure warning indication wherein thelight position indicates the direction of the threat event isillustrated in FIG. 7. When the vehicle is in a straight aheadorientation, the illuminated light element 104 may be centered on thesteering grip 102 (Position 1). In response to the received information,as the vehicle moves to the left side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 on the left side of the steering grip 102 are illuminated(Position 2). As the vehicle moves progressively further toward the leftside of the lane of travel, light elements 104 further along the leftside of the steering grip 102 are illuminated (Position 3 and Position4). Alternatively, as the vehicle moves to the right side of the lane oftravel, the light elements 104 on right side of the steering grip areilluminated (Position 2). As the vehicle moves progressively furthertoward the right side of the lane of travel, the light elements 104further along the right side of the steering grip are illuminated(Position 3 and Position 4). In an exemplary implementation, the time tolane cross may be used to determine the threat level associated with thevehicles direction of travel.

As outlined above, both the quantity and position of lights may be usedto indicate the relative position and/or threat level associated withthe warning/event. An exemplary lane departure warning indicationwherein the quantity and position of illuminated light elements 104 areused to indicate the relative position and/or threat level of thewarning or event is provided in FIG. 8. When the vehicle is in astraight ahead orientation, the illuminated light element 104 may becentered on the steering grip 102 (Position 1). In response toinformation received from the vehicle (e.g., GPS information, on-boardsensor information, camera information, communication systeminformation, and lane position information), as the vehicle moves to theleft side of the lane of travel, additional light elements 104 on theleft side of the steering grip 102 are illuminated (Position 2). As thevehicle moves progressively further toward the left side of the lane oftravel, additional light elements 104 further along the left side of thesteering grip 102 are illuminated (Position 3 and Position 4).Alternatively, as the vehicle moves to the right side of the lane oftravel, additional light elements 104 on right side of the steering gripare illuminated (Position 2). As the vehicle moves progressively furthertoward the right side of the lane of travel, additional light elements104 further along the right side of the steering grip are illuminated(Position 3 and Position 4). In an exemplary implementation, the time tolane cross may be used to determine the threat level associated with thevehicles direction of travel and the rate and quantity of theillumination of the additional light elements 104 are illuminated.

As outlined above, the color of the illuminated light elements may beused to indicate the relative position and threat level associated withthe warning/event. An exemplary lane departure warning indicationwherein the color and position of the illuminated light elements 104 areused to indicate the relative position and/or threat level of thewarning or event is provided in FIG. 9. When the vehicle is in astraight ahead orientation, the illuminated light element 104 may becentered on the steering grip 102. The illuminated light element may beprovided in a color that indicates no threat/warning associated with thegiven lane position. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the illuminated lightelement may be green when the steering grip 102 is a centered/straightahead position (Position 1). In response to information received fromthe vehicle (e.g., GPS information, on-board sensor information, camerainformation, communication system information, and lane positioninformation), as the vehicle moves to the left or right side of the laneof travel, the light elements 104 on the left side of the steering grip102 or the light elements 104 on the right side of the steering grip 102are illuminated. An initial indication of lane departure may be providedby green illuminated light elements 104 (Position 2). As the vehiclemoves progressively further toward the left or right side of the lane oftravel, light elements 104 further along the left/right side of thesteering grip 102 are illuminated. These light elements may indicate amoderate threat/warning and may be provided, for example, by yellowilluminated light elements 104 (Position 3). As the vehicle movesprogressively further toward the left or right side of the lane oftravel, the light elements 104 further along the left/right side of thesteering grip 102 are illuminated. These light elements may indicate asevere and/or immediate threat and may be provided, for example, by redilluminated light elements 104 (Position 4). In an exemplaryimplementation, the time to lane cross may be used to determine thethreat level associated with the vehicles direction of travel.

In a further implementation, the vertical element 106 can include beused to indicate the relative position and threat level associated witha particular warning/event. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the verticalelement 106 may include a plurality of light elements 104. When thevehicle is in a straight ahead orientation, the light elements 104centered in the vertical element 106 may be illuminated (Position 1).Because the relative threat/warning level in the straight ahead positionis minimal, the illuminated light element 104 in Position 1 may begreen. In response to information received from the vehicle (e.g., GPSinformation, on-board sensor information, camera information,communication system information, and lane position information), as thevehicle moves to the left or right side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 on the left or right side, respectively, of the verticalelement 106 are illuminated. For example, an initial indication that thevehicle is tending toward the left side of the lane of travel may beprovided by illumination of the light elements 104 on the left side ofthe vertical element (Position 2). These light elements 104 may indicatea moderate threat/warning and may be provided, for example, by yellowilluminated light elements 104. As the vehicle moves progressivelyfurther toward the left or right side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 may change colors from yellow to red, indicating that thethreat level associated with the lane departure has escalated frommoderate to severe and/or immediate.

In an exemplary implementation, the vertical element 106 can be used toindicate the relative position and/or threat level associated animpact/collision warning. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the verticalelement 106 may include a plurality of light elements 104. The operationof the light elements 104 may be directed in response to foreign objectproximity information received from the vehicle. Illumination of thelight elements 104 may indicate the presence of a foreign object withina predetermined distance of the vehicle and/or a distance to the foreignobject. In response to the object data, the light elements 104 locatedon the steering grip 102 illuminate. For example, as the object isapproaching the light elements 104 may illuminate in a wave patternsuggesting the direction of the object and/or the proximity of theobject to the vehicle. As a further example, the light elements 104 mayilluminate in an illumination pattern, at a greater on/off frequency, ata particular quantity of light elements 104, with greater intensity,and/or varying colors as the direction and/or the proximity of theobject to the vehicle change.

In an exemplary implementation, the vertical light element 106 can beused in conjunction with the light elements 104 position on the side ofthe steering grip 102. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the lightelements 104 can be used to guide the driver in operation of thevehicle. An exemplary steering apparatus 100 can be used guide a driverinto a parking space. In the exemplary implementation, the lightelements 104 can be used to direct the driver to aim the vehicle in aparticular manner. Operation of the light elements 104 can include, forexample, on/off illumination, illumination pattern, on/off cycling,intensity, and color. It is contemplated that operation of the lightelements 104 of the vertical element 106 may be independent from theoperation of the light elements 104 included along the diameter of thesteering grip 102. For example, the light elements 104 of the verticalelement 106 may be used to indicate proximity to a foreign object (e.g.,parked car) while the light elements 104 included along the diameter ofthe steering grip 102 as used to provide directional and navigationinformation to the user. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the light elements104 included along the diameter of the steering grip 102 can illuminateat a location and frequency to suggest the direction of travel of thevehicle. In an alternate implementation, the operation of the lightelements 104 of the vertical element 106 may be in cooperation with thelight elements 104 included along the diameter of the steering grip 102.For example, both the vertical and radial light elements 104 may be usedto provide navigation information to suggest the direction of travel ofthe vehicle.

In a further implementation, the vertical and/or radial light elements104 may be used to indicate a difference between the posted speed limitand the actual speed of the vehicle. For example, the steering apparatus100 may receive information including GPS information and vehicleperformance information. The GPS information may include informationassociated with a posted speed limit at the vehicle's current location.The vehicle performance information may include information associatedwith the actual speed of the vehicle. The vehicle and/or the steeringapparatus 100 can determine that the vehicle is exceeding the postedspeed limit and the operation of the light elements 104 may be directedto indicate a threat/warning associated with speed of the vehicle.

In an exemplary implementation, the steering apparatus may include asensor (not shown) located on the steering grip 102. The sensor maydetect the driver input and/or touch on the steering grip. Exemplarysensors include, for example, capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, andconductivity/resistivity sensors. The sensor may be in communicationwith the PCB 116 and/or the processor. In an further implementation, thedriver's input may be transmitted to the electronic control unit of thevehicle. In an exemplary implementation, the steering apparatus 100 maybe configured to receive autonomous driving state information and/oradaptive cruise control information from the vehicle. The autonomousdriving state information may indicate that the vehicle is 565 operatingautonomously and not under human control. The adaptive cruise controlinformation may include whether the adaptive cruise control feature isengaged. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance between thecar immediately in front of the driver's vehicle and/or stops thevehicle completely when an emergency situation is identified. In someautonomous driving state and the adaptive cruise control settings, somevehicles direct acceleration/braking of the vehicle in addition tocontrolling steering (e.g., to keep the vehicle within the lane whenbraking). For the lane keeping feature of the adaptive cruise control itis essential that the driver be holding the steering grip 103 or thebraking feature will not engage. Similarly, in some situations theautonomous driving state of the vehicle may disengage (e.g., stop and gotraffic), in these situations it is also that the driver holding thesteering grip 103. Therefore, using on the received information aboutthe state of the vehicle and/or sensor information confirming thedriver's input/contact with the steering apparatus 100, operation of thelight element 104 may be directed to indicate that the vehicle is notoperating under human control or that human operation of the vehicle isnecessary and the driver is required to engage the steering grip 102.

In an alternative implementation (not shown), the steering apparatus 100also includes an acoustic display and/or a haptic display devices thatwork exclusively from or in conjunction with the light element 104. Thehaptic displays can include, for example, vibrators arranged on thesteering grip 102/steering apparatus 100 such that vibration of thesteering grip 102 is felt by the driver in every grip position. Thesteering apparatus 100 may be configured to direct operation of thevibrator in response to information received from the vehicle,information received from the steering grip 102, and/or inputinformation received from the driver at the steering grip 102. Operationof the vibrator can include, for example manipulating the frequency andintensity the produced vibration.

It should be appreciated that the logical operations described hereinwith respect to the various figures may be implemented (1) as a sequenceof computer implemented acts or program modules (i.e., software) runningon a computing device, (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits orcircuit modules (i.e., hardware) within the computing device and/or (3)a combination of software and hardware of the computing device. Thus,the logical operations discussed herein are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware and software. The implementation is a matter ofchoice dependent on the performance and other requirements of thecomputing device. Accordingly, the logical operations described hereinare referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts, ormodules. These operations, structural devices, acts and modules may beimplemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic,and any combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more orfewer operations may be performed than shown in the figures anddescribed herein. These operations may also be performed in a differentorder than those described herein. When the logical operations describedherein are implemented in software, the process may execute on any typeof computing architecture or platform. For example, the functions of thePCB, processor, control circuitry, and vehicle electronics control unit,as described above, may be implemented on any type of computingarchitecture or platform. An exemplary implementation illustrated inFIG. 13 provides an example computing device upon which embodiments ofthe invention may be implemented. The computing device 1300 may includea bus or other communication mechanism for communicating informationamong various components of the computing device 1300. In its most basicconfiguration, computing device 1300 typically includes at least oneprocessing unit 1306 and system memory 1304. Depending on the exactconfiguration and type of computing device, system memory 1304 may bevolatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such asread-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of thetwo. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 13 by dashedline 1302. The processing unit 1306 may be a standard programmableprocessor that performs arithmetic and logic operations necessary foroperation of the computing device 1300.

Computing device 1300 may have additional features/functionality. Forexample, computing device 1300 may include additional storage such asremovable storage 1308 and non-removable storage 1310 including, but notlimited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 1300may also contain network connection(s) 1316 that allow the device tocommunicate with other devices. Computing device 1300 may also haveinput device(s) 1314 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc.Output device(s) 1312 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. mayalso be included. The additional devices may be connected to the bus inorder to facilitate communication of data among the components of thecomputing device 1300. All these devices are well known in the art andneed not be discussed at length here.

The processing unit 1306 may be configured to execute program codeencoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Computer-readable mediarefers to any media that is capable of providing data that causes thecomputing device 1300 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particularfashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provideinstructions to the processing unit 1306 for execution. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, magnetic media, opticalmedia, physical media, memory chips or cartridges, a carrier wave, orany other medium from which a computer can read. Examplecomputer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, volatilemedia, non-volatile media and transmission media. Volatile andnon-volatile media may be implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other data and common forms are discussedin detail below. Transmission media may include coaxial cables, copperwires and/or fiber optic cables, as well as acoustic or light waves,such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red datacommunication. Example tangible, computer-readable recording mediainclude, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g.,field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape,a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM,electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices.

In an example implementation, the processing unit 1306 may executeprogram code stored in the system memory 1304. For example, the bus maycarry data to the system memory 1304, from which the processing unit1306 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the systemmemory 1304 may optionally be stored on the removable storage 1308 orthe non-removable storage 1310 before or after execution by theprocessing unit 1306.

Computing device 1300 typically includes a variety of computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by device 1300 and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. Computer storage media includevolatile and non-volatile, and removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. System memory 1304, removable storage 1308, andnon-removable storage 510 are all examples of computer storage media.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM,electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bycomputing device 1300. Any such computer storage media may be part ofcomputing device 1300.

It should be understood that the various techniques described herein maybe implemented in connection with hardware or software or, whereappropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus, the methods andapparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certainaspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e.,instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes,CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage mediumwherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine,such as a computing device, the machine becomes an apparatus forpracticing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case ofprogram code execution on programmable computers, the computing devicegenerally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by theprocessor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described inconnection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., throughthe use of an application programming interface (API), reusablecontrols, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high levelprocedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with acomputer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assemblyor machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be acompiled or interpreted language and it may be combined with hardwareimplementations.

FIG. 14 provides schematic illustration of an exemplary computerarchitecture upon which the invention may be implemented. The computingdevice 1400 may include a processing unit 1406 and a memory 1404. Thememory 1404 may include various registers. Exemplary registers mayinclude an LED enable register, an LED location register, and LED colorregister, and an LED intensity register. The computing device 1400 mayinclude a light element driver for providing illumination instructionsto the light element 104.

The computing device 1400 may include a bus 1402 or other communicationmechanism for communicating information among various components of thecomputing device 1400. In an exemplary implementation, the bus 1402 mayprovide a communication link between the computing device 1400 and thevehicle. In an alternate implementation, the bus 1402 may provide acommunication link between the computing device 1400 and various vehiclecomponents. Information transmitted by the bus 1402 may include, forexample, lane departure warning signal information, GPS signalinformation, general warning signal information, and vehicle performanceindication signal information.

An exemplary implementation may include a clock spring 1408 associatedwith the processing unit 1406 and the communication bus 1402. The clockspring 1408 may provide an electrical connection/communication linkbetween when the processing unit 1406 is located proximate the steeringgrip 102/steering apparatus 100. An exemplary clock spring 1408 includesa rotary-type electrical connection that permits rotation of thesteering grip 102 while maintaining an electrical connection with thebus 1402. For example, the clock spring 1408 may include a staticelement, generally mounted to the steering column, and a rotatingelement, generally mounted to the steering grip 102.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferredimplementation of the present invention, it will be understood thatvarious additions, modifications, combinations and/or substitutions maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular,it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present inventionmay be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements,proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used withmany modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials,and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention,which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operativerequirements without departing from the principles of the presentinvention. In addition, features described herein may be used singularlyor in combination with other features. The presently disclosedimplementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoingdescription.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the implementations described above without departing from thebroad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed,but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention, as defined by the following claims.

1.-21. (canceled)
 22. A steering apparatus of a vehicle, the steeringapparatus comprising: a steering grip; one or more infrared lightemitting diodes disposed on the steering grip, wherein the infraredlight emitting diodes emit infrared light in a direction toward anoperator of the vehicle; and a processor in electrical communicationwith the one or more infrared light emitting diodes and a memory, thememory storing instructions executable by the processor, wherein theinstructions cause the processor to direct operation of the one or moreinfrared light emitting diodes.
 23. The steering apparatus of claim 22,wherein the one or more infrared light emitting diodes comprise a firstset of infrared light emitting diodes and a second set of infrared lightemitting diodes, wherein the first set and the second set are spacedapart from each other.
 24. The steering apparatus of claim 23, whereinthe first set is disposed adjacent a front, left side of the steeringgrip, and the second set is disposed adjacent a front, right side of thesteering grip, wherein the front side of the steering grip faces towardthe operator.
 25. The steering apparatus of claim 22, wherein theinfrared light emitting diodes illuminate the operator's face, and aninfrared camera-based monitoring system receives the infrared lightreflected from the operator's face.
 26. The steering apparatus of claim22, wherein the one or more infrared light emitting diodes are disposedon a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board being coupled tothe steering grip.
 27. The steering apparatus of claim 26, furthercomprising one or more visible light emitting diodes disposed on theprinted circuit board.
 28. The steering apparatus of claim 27, whereinthe one or more infrared light emitting diodes comprises a first set ofinfrared light emitting diodes and a second set of infrared lightemitting diodes, and the visible light emitting diodes are disposedbetween the first set and the second set.
 29. The steering apparatus ofclaim 22, further comprising a lens disposed adjacent the one or moreinfrared light emitting diodes, the lens comprising an infraredtransmissive material to allow infrared light to pass through the lens.30. The steering apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions causethe processor to vary the intensity of the one or more infrared lightemitting diodes to control an amount of heat transferred from theinfrared light emitting diodes to an external surface of the steeringgrip.
 31. The steering apparatus of claim 22, wherein the infrared lightemitting diodes are thermally coupled to a heat exchange component thatis thermally coupled to a frame of the steering grip, and the heatexchange component comprises a thermally conductive material configuredfor transferring heat away from the infrared light emitting diodes tothe frame of the steering grip.
 32. The steering apparatus of claim 31,wherein the infrared light emitting diodes are physically coupled to aprinted circuit board, and the heat exchange component is disposedbetween the printed circuit board and the frame.